Homemade Gumdrops: A Festive Holiday Treat

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring some homemade magic into your kitchen! These Homemade Gumdrops are delightfully chewy, bursting with fruity flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Crafted with simple ingredients like applesauce and Jell-O, they’ll quickly become a cherished holiday tradition. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or adding them to your Christmas cookie spread, these gumdrops are sure to steal the show!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gumdrops are everything you want in a homemade candy—soft, fruity, and perfectly sweet! Plus, they’re versatile. Choose your favorite Jell-O flavors, cut them into festive shapes, and watch as they brighten up dessert tables or gift boxes. The addition of applesauce gives them a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Reasons to Love These Homemade Gumdrops:

• Simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Fun to make and customize with shapes and colors.
• Perfect for gifting, snacking, or decorating!

Taste and Texture:
Imagine a sweet, chewy bite with just the right amount of fruity flavor. The sugar coating adds a delicate crunch, making these gumdrops irresistible.

Benefits of Making Homemade Gumdrops:

• Avoid artificial preservatives found in store-bought candies.
• A great holiday activity to enjoy with family.
• Totally customizable to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these gumdrops so special:

• Granulated Sugar: Used both in the recipe and as the coating for that classic gumdrop texture.
• Applesauce (No Sugar Added): Adds moisture and subtle tartness.
• Jell-O: Choose any flavor you like! Cherry, lime, and orange are holiday favorites.
• Unflavored Gelatin: Helps set the gumdrops.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the fruity flavor with a hint of brightness.

Tools You’ll Need

• A 9×13 baking dish, coated with cooking spray.
• Large saucepan for cooking the gumdrop mixture.
• Spatula to loosen the sides.
• Cookie cutters for shaping your gumdrops.
• Parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Jell-O Flavors: Experiment with seasonal favorites like cranberry or pineapple.
• Applesauce Alternatives: Swap with mashed banana or pear puree for a different flavor profile.
• Sugar Coating: Add a pinch of citric acid to the sugar for a sour kick.

How to Make Homemade Gumdrops

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
   Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Combine Ingredients
   In a large saucepan, mix 2 cups of sugar, applesauce, Jell-O, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for one minute.
3. Cook the Mixture
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it’s boiling, continue cooking for one minute.
4. Set the Mixture
   Immediately pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours or overnight.
5. Shape Your Gumdrops
   Cover a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle it with sugar. Loosen the sides of the gelatin with a spatula, invert it onto the sugar-coated parchment paper, and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Dry and Coat the Gumdrops
   Let the gumdrops dry on the sugar-coated parchment for 8 hours or until slightly sticky. Roll them in the remaining sugar for that signature finish.
7. Store
   Place your gumdrops in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

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What to Serve with Homemade Gumdrops

These gumdrops are delightful on their own, but they’re even better when paired with other holiday treats! Try serving them with Christmas Cookie Pinwheels for a festive platter. Or, add them to a gift box with Chocolate-Covered Pretzels and Grinch Popcorn for the ultimate sweet and salty holiday combo.

Tips for Making Perfect Gumdrops

• Clean Your Cookie Cutters: Dip them in hot water between cuts to keep them sharp and clean.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your gelatin and Jell-O aren’t expired for the best results.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, roll them lightly in sugar instead of coating them fully.

Storage Instructions

Store your gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, making them ideal for gifting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different shapes for my gumdrops?
Absolutely! Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes for a festive touch.

Do I need to refrigerate the gumdrops?
No, once they’ve set and been coated in sugar, they can be stored at room temperature.

Can I make these vegan?
You can try substituting the gelatin with agar-agar, but the texture may differ slightly.

Bring the Holidays to Life with Homemade Gumdrops

Making these Homemade Gumdrops is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Their fruity flavors and chewy texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike, and they’re the perfect addition to your holiday dessert lineup.

Looking for more festive recipes? Check out our Christmas Cookie Pinwheels, Chocolate-Covered Pretzels, and Grinch Popcorn.

Share Your Creations!
We’d love to see your holiday gumdrops! Share your photos on Pinterest and let us know how they turned out.

Nutritional Information

Each gumdrop has approximately:

• Calories: 46
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugar: 11g

Happy holidays, and happy gumdrop making!

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